Of course, God loves the world of humanity, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16), but the “Apple of His eye” is the Church, the Bride of Christ! Though she may often come short of His desires and expectations for her, He will ever love His Bride, the Church. We would do well to be cautious as to how we speak of, and treat, His Bride.
I love His Church! If you closely observe, you may smell the sweat of His brow and the blood of His purchase on her. Jesus gave His life to give life to the Church! I love when He uses me as a vessel to add to His Church. I love when He allows me to encourage His Church to return to Him through prayer.
“And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” (Matthew 21:13)
Beloved, if the church’s main purpose and passion is not prayer, the church needs to return to Him . . . “I have somewhat against you. You have left your first love.”
Jesus is to be the love and Lover of the church! The church that has little prayer has little love for Him. You talk with the one you love. The church that spends all her time speaking to one another is more in love with themselves than they are with Jesus.
The church in America needs revival – a great, deep, through and through, widespread revival! We can experience this when we are willing to pay the price; and prayer is the price – real, determined, persistent, heart-broken, effectual prayer to God moved by the Holy Spirit!
Beloved, “pray-the-price” – humble yourselves – humble your churches – return to Him!
